Monthly Archives: January 2015

For the second year in a row, IMAN leaders and volunteers brought in the New Year by hosting a restaurant-style, MLK Commemorative Luncheon free of charge to local community members. Volunteer families served a delicious meal and hot drinks to local students, teachers, parents, workers and business owners, and encouraged diners to reflect upon and document possible solutions to issues facing our communities this year. Crescent Foods generously donated 24 halal chickens for the occasion and volunteer families prepared wholesome side dishes and desserts.

IMAN sees immense value in using the transformative spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s legacy to color and inspire the work that it does throughout the year. We stand on the shoulders of so many dedicated families and institutions that have fought tirelessly to ensure that their community was afforded the dignity and quality standard of living that it deserved. Our nation is experiencing both turbulent and exciting times and we continue to ask for your prayers and support this year, as we expand our programming and discover new ways to build meaningfully with the people and communities around us. With your help, we hope to continue to inspire and transform lives and neighborhoods in 2015—in Chicago and across the world.

Through the United Congress of Community and Religious Organizations (UCCRO), along with community organizations across the city, IMAN will be participating in and mobilizing leaders for a mayoral candidate forum on February 3rd. The forum is hosted by the University Church Chicago, and the candidates will address where they stand on issues facing black and brown communities. With elections less than a month away, this forum is an opportunity for IMAN to stand alongside community groups throughout the city to ensure that those elected to office commit to investing in and strengthening our communities.

If you are interested in getting involved with IMAN’s mobilization efforts for this upcoming election, or any of our other campaigns, please contact Director of Organizing, Shamar Hemphill, at shamar@imancentral.org.

With the support of the Chicago Community Trust, on January 10, 2015 Inner-City Muslim Action Network’s Arts & Culture Department hosted the first official Association of Performing Arts Presenters (APAP) showcase featuring a collective of Chicago-based indie artists, Muslim and Non-Muslim alike.

As our final initiative for the 2014 Artist Leadership Program, we were charged with providing a platform for a diverse group of Chicago-based, Muslim and non-Muslim, artists to share their talent, build connections and enhance their practice. Over its longer than 27-year history, APAP had never had an independent artists showcase as part of their official showcase schedule, nor had it featured this many contemporary Muslim artists.

We thank APAP and all the attendees, crew members, volunteers, production manager Kate Pritchard, IMAN’s youth leaders, Rhymefest, Donnie Smith of Donda’s House Inc., visual artist Sam Kirk (for sharing his vision with us), the Hilton staff, and all those who helped make this historic event happen. Stay tuned for more information and announcements regarding the 2015 Artist Leadership Program!

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IMAN is proud to once again partner with Sabeel Pantry & @webbfoundation to distribute hundreds of turkeys throughout the community. The Chicago Muslim Turkey Drive begins tomorrow! Visit sabeelpantry.org to learn more, & call us at 773.434.4626 for details. pic.twitter.com/eIvM…

Join us for an evening of inspiration & celebration on Saturday, December 1 at the South Shore Cultural Center. Don't miss this year's powerful guest speakers and amazing performances. Tickets are nearly sold out! Purchase yours here: imancentral.org#IMANat21pic.twitter.com/G0Ou…